Homemade Laundry Soap

I am so glad to find this recipe on several other blogs. It's a DRY recipe for homemade laundry soap. I didn't want to mess with mixing, melting, and adding water in a big bucket. I like easy recipes and this one is definitely easy.

Homemade Laundry Soap

1 cup Borax
1 cup Washing Soda
1 Bar of Soap (I used Kirk's Castile. Other possibilities include Ivory, Sunlight, and Zote bars)

Directions: Grate the soap with a cheese grater or food processor. Place all ingredients in an airtight container and shake. I used a ziploc bag since I didn't have a container big enough.

Use 1 tablespoon per load, 2 tablespoons for heavily soiled loads.

Homemade Sugar Scrubs

I stumbled onto my favorite" bath and body" website and found several sugar scrub products that looked so delicious to try! However, they were a little too pricey for me, which lead me to search online for homemade recipes! Making sugar scrubs at home is so easy and only takes a handful of ingredients! Don't spend a fortune at a store, you are really paying for the fancy packaging! I found a basic recipe and you can add your own essential oils and herbs of your choice.

Basic Sugar Scrub Recipe

1 cup granulated white sugar
½ cup olive oil (you can substitute sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil)

Directions: Mix both ingredients well and store in glass jar with lid

Scents to use: a few drops of essential oil, feel free to use any one of the following: lavender, jasmine, sandalwood, vanilla, etc.

Here is another fun recipe to try, it's called Peppermint Sugar Scrub. This one definitely looks fun to make and smell!

Peppermint Sugar Scrub

1 cup granulated white sugar
6 peppermint candies (approx 1/4 cup), finely crushed into a powder
1/2 cup olive oil (or any of the oils in the basic recipe)
6 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)

Directions:
1. Mix together granulated white sugar and crushed peppermint candies until well blended
2. Pour liquid ingredients into sugar mix and blend well

Homemade Bath Salts

Why spend a fortune buying bath salts in the store, when you can make it at home for a fraction of the price?! Here is a simple bath salt recipe. Feel free to change it up and use your favorite essential oils!

I just made my first batch with 10 drops of Peppermint Oil and 3 drops of Tea Tree Oil. I used those two scents because I already have them on hand.

Here are some benefits to bath salts:

~Improve circulation
~Reduce tenderness
~Great for easing stiff, sore muscles and aching feet and legs
~Help purify the skin, cleansing away dirt, sweat, and toxins. Aid in healing of dry skin, making skin softer and more supple.
~Salts can also help improve common irritations such as insect bites, minor rashes, and calluses on feet, as well as more serious skin conditions like athlete's foot, eczema, and psoriasis.

Super Easy Recipe #1 ~

In a large glass or metal bowl, stir together...

2 cups Epsom Salt or Dead Sea Salt - or 1 cup of each (Do not use table salts, they will dry out skin! And when using Dead Sea Salt, be sure to remove any dark pieces that may have slipped through processing.)

1-2 teaspoons of baking soda, if desired (Makes skin soft.)

10-12 drops of essential oil (Lavender is best for a relaxing bath, Vanilla and Eucalyptus are also fabulous However, this is completely up to you!)

You can also add a small amount of food coloring paste (the kind used for cake decorating) if desired, but it's not necessary. I prefer not to use coloring, but it's up to you. This is your own homemade bath salt, make it however you want!

Next...

After you have stirred the salt really well (I do this for at least two minutes because it's fun; the more you stir the more the wonderful scent begins to come through!), pour into pretty glass jars and attach lids.

As for glass jars, reuse what you already have! Try using baby food jars, spaghetti and jelly jars, etc!

Homemade Toothpaste

For the last few weeks, I have been gathering the ingredients and things that I needed to make my own toothpaste! Lately, I have been in search of ways to go natural, green, and living a more simple life. Today I finally had time to make my homemade toothpaste. The recipe I was using only calls for 3 ingredients! I used travel size shampoo containers to store my toothpaste. Other options include a glass jar or a used toothpaste tube. Here is the recipe I used ~

All Natural Toothpaste Recipe

1/4 cup Vegetable Glycerin
1/4 cup Baking Soda
10 to 15 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil (food grade)

Directions: Too easy! Just mix the ingredients together!

The homemade toothpaste looks the same as store bought gel toothpaste but it doesn't foam or bubble up when you use it. It will take some time to get used to it.

Here's another recipe that I just found today. I look forward to trying this recipe out as well!

All Natural Toothpaste Recipe #2

2 tablespoons coconut oil
3 tablespoons baking soda
1/2 small packet of stevia powder
20-25 drops of peppermint oil*

Directions: Mix all ingredients together!

*Add about half of the amount of peppermint oil to start, and test the toothpaste to see how much you prefer.

Body Glitter

I just found a body glitter recipe that is really easy to make and wanted to share it. Have fun with this one! Add some glitter and sparkle to your day, evening, or night out!

Body Glitter Recipe

What you need:
3 tablespoons of unmedicated aloe vera gel (can be found next to the hand lotions in discount or drug stores)
1/2 teaspoon very fine glitter, color desired
1 drop essential oil with fragrance desired (optional)
Food coloring (optional)

Directions:
Add as much glitter to aloe vera gel as you like (you can always experiment).
If you are using food coloring, mix a few drops at a time in with your gel until you get the desired color.
Add essential oil, if desired.
Stir to blend, then store at room temperature in a small, airtight jar or container.
Enjoy the body glitter!

NOTE: Some people are sensitive to essential oils. Test the body glitter on the inside of your arm before applying to face. DO NOT USE NEAR YOUR EYES.

The Amazing Jojoba Oil

I started using jojoba oil about a week ago and have seen a huge difference. It does what it says and it is so versatile. Jojoba Oil is great for softer and healthier hair and softer skin. I added a several drops of jojoba oil to my hair conditioner bottle, so I use it every time I shower. I also use jojoba oil on my face and body. Jojoba Oil serves as an excellent moisturizer that is suitable for both daily and occasional use. Jojoba Oil nourishes and revitalizes skin, relieves sunburn, and can even be used on hands, hair and nails.

I have noticed that my hair is shinier, softer, and has more body to it. My skin and face are so soft! I am truly amazed! If you wear mineral makeup, it's great to use it under your makeup. You will look even better and your makeup will last longer.

I love using jojoba oil! There are so many uses for beauty. I am not buying several products for several issues that I have. Jojoba oil does it all for me. Here are a few uses for jojoba oil, so you can see how many ways you can use this wonderful product!

15 Uses for Jojoba Oil

There is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on products to reduce lines, smooth frizzy hair or remove makeup. Jojoba Oil is simple, natural, and has so many uses and benefits.

1. Eye Makeup/ Face Makeup Remover
Add a few drops to fingers or to a cotton ball and wipe over eyes and face. Rinse off with water or follow with regular cleanser.

2. Facial Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin
Add a few drops to fingers or cotton ball. Cleanse face. Remove with water.

3. Facial Moisturizer
Cleanse face. Apply a few drops to fingers and then pat onto damp skin.

4. Foot and Hand Softener
Use alone or add a few drops to your regular moisturizer. Apply to hands and feet.

5. Intense Foot Treatment
Apply oil all over feet. Wrap in plastic and put on socks. Leave on for at least one hour. Feet will be beautifully soft and smooth.

6. Body Moisturizer
Apply immediately after the shower or bath while skin is still damp. It seals in moisture, leaving skin soft and smooth.

7. Massage Oil
Great for a massage therapist or for use at home. Perfect for sensitive skin.

8. Bath Oil
Add a few drops to the bath to leave skin moisturized, soft, and smooth. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for soothing aromatherapy.

9. Hair and Scalp Massage
Add a few drops to hands. Massage into scalp to relieve dryness.

10. Split End Mender
Add a few drops to your hands. Rub hands together and then apply to ends of your hair. You can also run hands lightly over damp hair to smooth frizzies. Remember to use only a drop or two.

11. Deep Conditioning Treatment for Hair
Pour a quarter-sized amount of oil into hands. Smooth over damp hair, applying most of oil to ends. Leave on for 5-10 minutes. Shampoo out and style as usual.

12. Lip Conditioner
Apply to finger and smooth onto lips. Great as an overnight treatment as well.

13. Cuticle Oil
Apply a few drops to rough, dry cuticles at least once per day.

14. Shave Prep
Apply to your beard or desired area beneath your shaving product. Helps prevent razor burn and leaves skin smooth and soft.

15. Aftershave Moisturizer
Apply directly after shaving to soothe and moisturize skin.

Mineral Makeup doesn't have to cost a fortune

We have all seen the commercials for mineral makeup, been tempted to order the product. But did you know, those companies require a club membership to receive their products. Not only that, the products are pricey, at least for my budget! In these hard times, people are cutting back everywhere they can. You don’t have to cut back just to look great!

Attention Ladies: You do not have to break the bank just to look fabulous with mineral makeup!

Did you know mineral makeup is affordable, 100% natural, and good for your skin? Have you heard of Monet Minerals? Monet Minerals is mom owned and has been around since August 2007. Monet Minerals offers monthly sales and specials to help clients save money. Every order includes free samples. This gives you a chance to try new colors and products.

Are you aware of some of the benefits to using mineral makeup? Mineral Makeup does not clog pores or irritate the skin, which makes is essential for sensitive skin. A little product goes a long way, so you won’t end up spending so much in the long run. Mineral Makeup is water resistant, perfect for those who live in humid climates or for those who want to wear makeup while they are working out.

Monet Minerals have 5 or less ingredients in their products. Can you say that about your current makeup? Mineral Makeup does not expire, how great is that?

Mineral Makeup does not settle into lines and wrinkles, like store bought makeup. Mineral Makeup is versatile as well. You can mix the colors, you can wear then wet or dry to enhance your look.

Don’t settle for cheap, give Monet Minerals a try! You won’t be disappointed.

***I've been published, see this article at http://www.bukisa.com/articles/127491_mineral-makeup-doesnt-have-to-cost-a-fortune